A major city is set to unveil new regulatory action to combat the number of fake taxis operating on the streets.
The City of Wolverhampton Council revealed it would start implementing new guidelines designed to prevent fake taxis from being on the road and improve passenger safety.
The action marks the first one taken by a licensing authority to crack down on fraudulent and fake cases.
As part of the changes, the council will follow Government guidelines which require private hire vehicles not to display livery signage.
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Council flagged the rise in fake taxi incidents
PAOnly licence taxis can use the official signage with the move hoping to prevent impersonation of private hire vehicles.
The need for change comes after more cases of fake signs being used on unlicensed vehicles have been compounding in the city.
In some serious cases, unlicensed drivers have attacked lone passengers, the council warned.
Having already been approved by the council’s regulatory committee, once in force drivers who break the rules can be prosecuted.
Meanwhile, customers can also verify their rideby direct contact with the operator by phone, text message or app.
The driver will also know their name and destination through the booking details the passenger provided.
Feedback to new measures has been “overwhelmingly positive”, with more than 2,250 respondents and 93 per cent in favour of the signage changes.
Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, said: “It is important that, following consultation with the trade, City of Wolverhampton Council implements this guidance.”
She explained that the safety of all passengers is “paramount” and the implementation of the Government guidelines can try and prevent “unscrupulous drivers creating fake signage”.
She added: “This has led to instances of revoked drivers illegally plying for hire, as well as unlicensed drivers impersonating taxis.
“We want to work alongside the legitimate trade drivers to stop this type of fraudulent and frightening behaviour.
“I would encourage all passengers to look for the private hire vehicle licence plate on the rear of the vehicle and the badge worn by the driver. They can also contact the operator to double-check details.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
private hire vehicles cannot display a taxi sign
PAThe council warned Britons to check whether the taxi has a valid hackney carriage licence plate.
“They should then verify the licence badge the hackney carriage driver is wearing,” the council urged.